A corresponding agreement between the defense ministries of the two countries is expected to be signed by the end of 2016

TSKHINVAL, October 25. /TASS/. The agreement allowing South Ossetian military to serve in the Russian Armed Forces is expected to be signed by the defense ministries of the two countries by the end of 2016, South Ossetian Defense Minister Ibragim Gasseyev told TASS on Tuesday.

"We've reached understanding on all issues with Russian colleagues. We completed inter-departmental coordination, they are now underway in Russia. After that, we will sign the agreement. We are expecting it this year," Gasseyev said.

He added that the agreement will allow South Ossetian servicemen to serve in the 4th military base of the Russian Defense Ministry stationed in the republic. "It was impossible before. Young officers that graduated from military universities in Russia, may serve at corresponding positions in the Russian army. This is a career opportunity," he noted.

In the framework of the agreement, it is also planned to improve the infrastructure of South Ossetian armed forces. "We also propose to build military towns in order to ensure good conditions for our servicemen. We hope that it will all start in 2017 after signing the agreement with Russia," Gasseyev said.